Apple first debuted slow-motion video recording capabilities with the iPhone 5s back in 2013. While this feature has become a commonplace even in budget smartphones nowadays, back then it was a big deal as it required a really powerful ISP. Since launching the feature with iPhone 5s though, Apple has only made it better over the years.
Surprisingly, not many people know about or regularly shoot slow-mo videos on their iPhone. Slow-motion videos might seem like a gimmick at first and there are certain things that one must keep in mind while recording them, but when done right, they turn out to be pretty memorable.
So, if you own an iPhone 6, iPhone 7, or iPhone 8, and are wondering how to record slow-motion videos on it, check out the steps below.
Recording Slow Motion Videos on iPhone: What to Know
Since slow-motion videos are recorded at a higher frame rate, the tiny camera sensor on your iPhone has less time than what it usually gets while recording a regular 30fps to capture imaging data. Due to this, it is recommended that you record slow-mo videos when there’s plenty of light around. Otherwise, the video will turn out to be pretty dark and grainy.
While shooting indoors, the high frame rate can end up causing flickering due to the slow CFL bulb ballasts, while regular incandescent bulbs flicker due to the difference in their operating frequency.
Depending on the iPhone you own, it will have different slow-motion capabilities. With improvements in the ISP over time, newer iPhones are capable of recording slow-mo videos at a higher resolution and a faster frame rate. The slow-mo recording capabilities of all the iPhones starting with the iPhone 6 to iPhone 8 are as follows:
- iPhone 6: 720p@ 240fps
- iPhone 6s: 1080p@120fps, 720p@240fps
- iPhone 7: 1080p@120fps, 720p@240fps
- iPhone 8: 1080p@240fps, 720p@240fps
As you can see, the iPhone 8 can record slow-motion videos at Full HD resolution at 240fps. The higher the frame rate, the slower the video can be played back.
How to Record Slow Motion Videos on iPhone 6, iPhone 6s, iPhone 7, and iPhone 8
Step 1: Before you start recording slow-mo videos on your iPhone, you need to decide the resolution and frame rate of the slow-mo video.
For some strange reason though, this cannot be done easily from within the camera app. Instead, you have to go to Settings -> Camera and then select the desired resolution/frame rate of slow-mo video from the Record Slow-mo option.
Remember that while a higher resolution and frame rate will lead to a higher quality and slower slow-mo video, it will also require more light to work. So, if you are taking a slow-mo video in less than ideal conditions, it is recommended that you switch to a lower resolution and a slightly slower frame rate.
Step 2: With the slow-mo video resolution set, open the camera app on your iPhone and simply swipe over to the Slow-mo mode. Press the Record button and to start shooting the video. Whenever you are done recording, press the record button again to stop the video.
Step 3: Open the Photos app on your iPhone and locate the slow-mo video. By default, the first few seconds of the video at the starting and ending will playback in regular speed, while the entire middle portion will playback in slow-mo. However, if you want to change this, simply tap the Edit button.
Then drag the slider you see above the video timeline to specify the part of the video that you’d like to playback in slow-mo. The rest of the video then will playback at regular speed.
Once edited, you can share your slow-mo videos with your friends and family like any other regular video.
